James + Evander 5/25

(dude, you know these guys are cool, even Chewy did his hair for their gig)

Nothing says fun like an electronic musical event that Star Wars threw up on. Never mind that the paraphernalia is owned by two young 20something fans that were not yet the pre-sperm sparkle in their father’s eye when these movies came out. But love sees no age, as I find myself saying over and over again when I’m lovingly referred to as Chester by my friend. That tidbit is neither here nor there though. I was introduced to the computer generated mix-masturbater duo James + Evander about a month ago with their "This isn't the beginning of anything" release. It was love at first note to my lobes. Electronic, is probably not what they would call themselves(as they play instruments on their albums as well) and I’m no expert on musical labels, but that’s the word I’m using. Their songs have nary a lyric, party remixes excluded, with maybe a few vocal note accents to a song or two here and there(StaplerStaplerStapler.com for example)

Now, when I think DJ, I think dusty vinyl coupled with names like Shadow and Cut Chemist (which, thoroughly impressed me and created a new found respect for record slingers). When I see a DJ coupled with a MAC notebook, I instantly think button pusher, as in Homer J Simpson, as in pushing the buttons on the reactor so Springfield doesn’t blow up in a mushroom cloud, as in LOST every 108 minutes. Now, don’t get me wrong, do you see my ass composing any sort of musical finery of any sort? Fuck no. So I’m not saying these modern day laptop Mozart’s are any less creative or talented... even if said DJ does strategically push a button while he strategically fixes his hair and then strategically messes it up again(stratego style).

(push the button, you must)

At any rate, I got a chance to check out a J+E show last night. But unfortunately to the disappointment of their fans, the show was cut short, as it was in an art gallery that had limited hours and there were two openers that, in my opinion, played far too long. The openers were ok, the second, being rather repetitive with his beats, thus leaving me highly antsy for his set to end and to hunt down my next beer to get a break. I lacked hope for excitement or entertainment from the main duo by the time they started but a metaphoric slap to my face for thinking such preposterous asshole ideas is what I got. The openers really did pale in comparison to the quality that this dynamic duo produces, even with a set list cut tragically short.

(Duo)

So whether its computer or dusty vinyl, music is the end result and fuck all if these kids don’t make me subsequently happy, abolishing any dour mood when I listen to the stuff they produce. They don’t carry themselves with the boring tempo and the annoyance of over repetition but rather mix with complexity and fun.“This isn’t the beginning” has song after song of up swinging beats that just lift the spirits; building your momentum the way some of the songs build towards an ending before breaking down again. I am eager for more to feed my fix and am looking forward to what they come up with next

DJ Shadow/Cut Chemist 02/08

I’m sitting here thinking about shows I’ve attended since living in Seattle, and I realize I’ve missed a lot, but a few come to mind, this show being one of them.


(MUAHAHAHAH cell phone strikes again!)

If anyone ever gets a chance to see these two perform this show live, I highly recommend it. Oh sure, it’s a ‘DJ’ show, where mysterious smoke clouds arise ever so often with that oh too familiar scent; and the occasional retard will bust out his glow stick; but the realization of just how talented these fuckers are, will fully have you cheering and grooving along with the rest of the stoners.

Had I not been shown the wonderfully campy ‘educational’ video on 45’s and the methods on which they would be performing on this night, I quite possibly wouldn’t have been impressed by spinning records. However, once I realized the complexity of what they were going to be doing, which was performing COMPLETELY live with no pre-recordings or computers; I must admit, I was impressed. I mean-the only thing I’d succeed in doing if I tried, is wreck a few LP’s and make it sound like cats getting run over. No thanks.

I was grooving at this show, but by no means swaying, dancing, be-boppin or doing that whole raver flail about and pound my head to the bass beat. HOWEVER, I also wasn’t on any substance, like I’m sure more than 70% of the crowd was. Nevertheless, the crowd and myself included was captivated by the talent, monitors and cameras mounted all around them; proving they were doing it all on the fly.

They did a two hour set, I lasted ONE whole hour…one. As much as I WAS enjoying the show and I do actually like this music…after awhile, it becomes repetitive and how much can two dudes rockin out mixing and doing a ‘from-afar-jerk-off-motion’ on stage really keep you attentive? A lot? Oh, well ok, my bad…I’m a square. Plus it was a Sunday night, with work the next day, which firmly makes my square bold.

Needles to say, if you are a fan of DJ's and going to see these types of gigs...check it out. They're still on tour and are rolling through Seattle again July 26th at the Showbox.